“Congressman Charlie Cojuangco has left us physically but his legacy, which he built in the 4th District of Negros Occidental, will continue to stand as a living testament of his love and dedication for public service,” his daughter Claudia Diaz Cojuangco said.
Claudia, who spoke at the end of a “farewell mass” for her father at the St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, attended by about 1,000 people on Wednesday, March 2, said “despite his legendary outbursts and impatience, he surprised many with his generosity and kindness, especially to the needy and the disadvantaged.”
In fact, her mother, the late Rio Diaz Cojuangco, said her father was so generous that he would never make a good businessman because he would give everything away, Claudia said.
Claudia was joined at the mass by her brother, Jaime, and aunt, Liza Cojuangco Cruz.
Charlie Cojuangco, 58, succumbed to arrhythmia dysautonomia at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City on February 22.
He was driving in a circuit race at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga when he suffered from brain aneurysm on Oct. 26, 2021. He underwent surgery but did not regain consciousness.
At the time of his death, he was congressman of the first district of Tarlac. He was mayor of Pontevedra town from 1992 to 1998 and congressman of the fourth district of Negros Occidental from 1998 to 2007.
Claudia said 18 years ago when they were in the United States, she and her brother filled their house with welcome home signs because they expected their mother to come home from the hospital where she was being treated for cancer.
However, when their father came home he sat on the bed and told them that as soon as their mother “closed her eyes she was instantly with God and no longer in pain,” Claudia said.
“Today, it is that belief that comforts us – that he is no longer in pain, at peace with Lord, and that my mama and paduck are finally together again,” she said.
“Jaime and I will continue to grow, enjoy what life has to offer and continue his legacy,” she said.
Jaime is running for congressman of the first district of Tarlac in place of his father.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental mourns over the loss of a devoted public servant who dedicated 15 years of his life to the people and municipality of Pontevedra and the 4th District of Negros Occidental.
His commitment to the delivery of basic and needed services to his constituents, particularly infrastructure, has greatly benefited not just his district, but the entire southern Negros Occidental, Lacson said.
“As the principal author of the Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park Act of 2001, the entire province will be forever grateful for his commitment to sustainable development, that translated to the protection and conservation of Mt. Kanlaon, including its communities of people, their culture, and way of life, insofar as they are in harmony with nature,” Lacson added.
As the longest president of the Negros Occidental Football Association, he will always be remembered for his staunch advocacy on grassroots football development and community based football clubs, the governor said.
“He believed that our homegrown Negrense football athletes, coaches, and even referees, with proper training and support, have the capacity to truly excel, and set Negros Occidental on the map of sports and sports tourism. May his confidence in the Negrense talent moves us to pursue his vision,” he added.
A Pontevedra Sangguniang Bayan resolution said the congressman ”implemented numerous programs and projects that made an impact on the lives of his constituents”.
“He showed compassion tempered with integrity in his day-to-day dealings with the people,” it added.
Fr. Dimitri Gatia, who delivered the homily at the farewell mass, said the congressman was a man of unadulterated humanity who was committed to service.
Fr. Armand Onion, Pontevedra parish priest, was the main celebrant at the mass.*